Penang Green Hotel Excellence Program
Supporting Sustainable Hospitality in Penang
The Penang Green Hotel Excellence Program is a state-driven recognition scheme designed to support and elevate the hospitality industry’s sustainability journey. Under this program, hotels are guided through a structured sustainability pathway comprising self-assessment, on-site evaluation, and independent third-party review. This ensures a credible and transparent process that encourages continuous improvement.
The program supports hotels in reducing environmental impact, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing guest experience, while aligning with Penang’s sustainability goals.
Eligibility
All registered hotels in Penang are welcome to apply if they meet the following criteria:
- Located within Penang
- Willing to adopt and maintain sustainable practices
- Able to provide required operational information
- Agree to undergo assessment and verification
- Commit to continuous improvement throughout the certification duration
Timeline
- March –June: Penang Green Hotel Assessment is open for registration
- June - Sept: Audit application and on-site audit session
- November: Certificate Presentation Ceremony
What We Access
The PGH Excellence Program focuses on four core areas of sustainability that define an environmentally responsible hotel:
- Energy Efficiency
Efficient lighting, well-maintained air-conditioning, responsible consumption habits, and operational energy savings. - Water Conservation
Use of water-saving fixtures, leak management, and everyday practices that reduce unnecessary water use. - Waste Management
Proper segregation, reduction of single-use materials, and responsible disposal methods that support recycling. - Green Procurement
Use of eco-labelled products, sustainable cleaning materials, and conscious purchasing that reduces environmental impact.
A simple and transparent process guides hotels from registration to certification:
Submit your hotel details and create a valid hotel’s account
Complete and pass the on-line self-assessment
Step 3: Audit & Verification
Our third-party auditors visit your hotel to validate practices and review relevant data.
Step 4: Recognition
Successful applicants receive the official recognition, with the logo usage rights for Penang Green Hotel.
Step 5: Continuous Improvement
Maintain your green practices and submit periodic updates for renewal.
Do's
To help the assessment run smoothly, applicants are encouraged to:
- Provide accurate information and supporting documents
- Maintain consistent green practices throughout the hotel
- Communicate sustainability initiatives to guests
- Ensure staff are aware of the hotel’s green commitments
- Cooperate during audits and follow-up reviews
Don'ts
For fairness and transparency, applicants should avoid:
- Submitting incomplete, inaccurate, or unverifiable information
- Setting up temporary green measures only during audit periods
- Displaying the PGH logo before official approval
- Ignoring safety, hygiene, and regulatory requirements
Program Terms
For hotels with 10 -100 rooms | For hotels with 101 - 250 rooms | For hotel with 250 rooms and above | |
|---|---|---|---|
Application fee (one-time payment) |
RM250 |
RM500 |
RM500 |
Audit fee |
RM750 |
RM1500 |
RM2000 |
* Payment must be conducted in 1 month time after the audit session. | |||
Validity period |
2 years | ||
Renewal requirements |
Renewal must be done within 6 months after the last expiry. Otherwise, it is considered as a new application. | ||
PGH Logo usage |
Guidelines provided upon approval | ||
Early Batch Adopters (2026-2027)
- Early Applicant Benefit: The first 20 hotels to pass their audit will receive a 100% discount on all application and audit fees. This promotion is valid for all registrations during the 2026–2027 period.
- Successful applicants will also be being featured in State endorsed publicity and communication collaterals.
Site Audit Procedure
- Successful applicants receive the official recognition, with the logo usage rights for Penang Green Hotel.
- Do prepare relevant supporting documentation such as energy and water consumption records, utility bills and related documents based on the audit criteria.
- The auditor will have a copy of the answers that your office has submitted to PGC. During the walkabout, the auditor will check for discrepancies.
- You may also present your ongoing and plans for environmental programmes.
- You will obtain the results of the site audit in 1 months via Penang Green Hotel registered account.
Benefits
- Hotel name published on the PGC website and Penang State tourism platform.
- The right to use the Penang Green Hotel logo on all official documentation, advertisements and other publicity material.
- The right to put up the Penang Green Hotel wall plaque at the Green Hotel.
- Participation in a certificate presentation ceremony.
- Participation in Penang Green Badge Partners Project.
For further details, please contact us at 04-250 3322 or email to info@pgc.com.my.
